Aquino reiterates call for Filipinos to promote peace

President Benigno Aquino III AP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–President Aquino on Friday rallied Filipinos to engage in the arduous process to achieve about peace in the country wracked by Muslim secessionism and communist insurgency.

The President issued the fresh call for engagement in peace after celebrities led by apl.de.ap, actors, musicians, and members of the Azkal football team pledged in Malacañang to promote peace mainly through the social media as “peace ambassadors.’’

“If we want to heal the wounds of bloody wars and erase the scars of pessimism and skepticism, it’s time to set aside conflict on ideology, belief and religion,’’ Mr. Aquino told government officials, peace ambassadors and business partners at the Rizal Hall.

“Now that this is coming true, a new morning will greet the next generation, the kind where instead of the roar of cannon, and smell of sulfur, they will be roused by the cock’s crow, the smell of coffee and freshly cooked breakfast, and the warm embrace of their parents,’’ he added.

“We can achieve this, and rest assured that we will exhaust all means to fulfill this. And this can be fast-tracked if we all join hands toward a peaceful country … Let’s bring a more peaceful tomorrow to every Filipino.’’

The government has made some progress in talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to end decades-long secessionism. Secretary Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, indicated a positive outcome of the talks with the group.

“The process is ripe. We’re about to pick the fruits of intensive negotiations between the government and the MILF. The time for peace is now,’’ Deles said in her speech.

Mr. Aquino said there has been no encounter with the secessionist rebels from January to August this year.

In contrast, negotiations with the communist New People’s Army, on hold for some time, have not moved.

“It’s sad to admit that the Philippines is the record-holder of the `world’s longest-running communist insurgency’. It has been 42 years. This means that in more than four decades, no final peace agreement has been forged by the government and the communist rebels,’’ Mr. Aquino said.

The reason, he said, was that some chose to live in the shadow of fear and violence, and were used to the culture and ideology of armed struggle.

“But like us, they also desire peace,’’ he said.  “That’s why we’re all here today. While we’re coming from different fields, we’re united in staking everything for peace to prevail, and shout in all corners of our country that `I’m for Peace’.’’

The government reopened peace talks with the communist rebels in February last year. The talks, however, hit a snag after the rebels demanded the release of detained comrades.

The President praised Deles, Marvic Leonen, chair of the government peace panel, and Undersecretary Alex Padilla, for facilitating the talks with the rebels.

Mr. Aquino hailed the peace ambassadors who volunteered to promote peace, and companies — ABS-CBN, Golden Arches Development Corp., Liwayway Marketing Corp., M Concepts & Style, Philippine Seven Corp. and Zest-O Corp. — who partnered with the government to bring peace to conflict areas.

He specifically mentioned apl.d.ap, singer-composer Noel Cabangon and actress Anne Curtis, who signed up as peace ambassadors along with Internet icon Ramon Bautista, actors Epy Quizon, Gerald Anderson, Megan Young, and Mikael Daez, musicians Christian Bautista, Datu Khomeini, Ebe Dancel, and Gloc 9; TV personality Rovilson Fernandez, fashion designers Arnold Galang and JC Buendia, actor Derek Ramsey, comedians Kiray and Igi Boy; singer-actress Karylle, performer Sam Concepcion  and social media personality Kimpoy Feliciano.

“Today is a beautiful day for peace,’’ Deles said in her welcome remarks. “We are glad to say that what was once a few will now become many. May this be the start of another lifelong partnership that will bring change and empower our nation amid difficulties and tribulations.’’